STORY

Hans was born into a 500-year-old Swiss winegrowing legacy and pursued formal education with Diplomas in Viticulture and Winemaking, and a master’s in Winemaking. Despite early stints at other wineries, Hans realized his heart belonged in the vineyard, believing great wines begin with meticulous care of the vines. As chief winemaker for a large Swiss wine merchant, he transformed must from across Europe into award-winning wines, but his vigneron spirit always called him back to the fields.

It was during this time that Hans met Therese, a dynamic young woman who made history as one of the first women to rise to senior management at HP in Switzerland. While advancing her career, she earned a diploma as a wine merchant to be taken seriously as Hans’ wife, despite having no plans to change her own career path.

Meanwhile, the call of the land finds roots for Hans and together they buy some prime vineyard land and establish a successful winery near Zurich, all while Therese balanced her high-flying corporate career. Hans' wines quickly gained acclaim.

The success of Hans artisan high quality wines triggers the move into larger premises with an unexpected challenge: running a country restaurant. Therese, though unfamiliar with hospitality, approached the role with the same
dedication and excellence that marked her corporate career. Combining her keen eye for detail, impeccable standards in food and service, and Hans’ exceptional wines, she quickly transformed the restaurant into a destination for food and
wine lovers. Within four years, her restaurant earned a Michelin star, making history as the first Swiss restaurant to debut with such an accolade.

Driven by Hans’ dream to create wines that could rival the world’s finest, the couple searched globally for the perfect terroir. After years of exploration, they found it in Marlborough, New Zealand. In 1994, they set up Hans Herzog Estate, focusing on quality over quantity and crafting wines that reflect both Swiss precision and Marlborough’s unique climate and terroir.

After years of commuting between Switzerland and New Zealand, they eventually gave up their successful Swiss estate to fully dedicate themselves to their New Zealand winery. With over 50 vintages of experience, Hans has become one of New
Zealand’s most respected winemakers, crafting wines of exceptional purity through organic viticulture and natural winemaking methods.

Therese, with her infectious energy and unshakable belief in their craft, has been instrumental in shaping the estate’s reputation. She continued her hospitality journey by establishing the country’s first 5-star luxury restaurant and a bistro on their wine estate, which became a famous destination, attracting visitors from around the world. However, when COVID hit, she decided that 20 years in hospitality was enough and chose to focus solely on the winery. Her background in marketing, coupled with her warm hospitality, has made their winery not only a place to enjoy fine wine but a destination that celebrates the harmony between nature, craftsmanship, and innovation.

Together, Hans and Therese have built a legacy, crafting wines that are a testament to their deep love for the land and their lifelong pursuit of perfection. Every bottle from Hans Herzog Estate is imbued with their heart, soul, and an
adventurous spirit, making their wines a true reflection of their extraordinary journey - from Switzerland to New Zealand and beyond.